Alabama's Tornado Tally Just Climbed Again

Well, it looks like the final count for those intense mid-January storms isn't quite final after all. Originally, we thought Alabama had weathered 22 tornadoes that fateful Sunday, January 12th. But alas, a new damage survey has bumped that number up by one, bringing the grand total to a rather sobering 23 confirmed tornadoes across the state.

The latest addition to this lengthy list is a relatively modest, yet still significant, EF-0 tornado that touched down in Greene County. Specifically, this particular twister made its brief but impactful appearance around 10:30 p.m. near the community of Union. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Birmingham, after their meticulous ground survey, confirmed its presence, noting a path of approximately 1.5 miles. It's a reminder that even the weaker tornadoes can still pack a punch.

While thankfully not as devastating as some of its counterparts from that chaotic day, this EF-0 still left its mark. We're talking snapped branches, some good-sized trees uprooted – you know, the usual signs of nature's raw power. There was also some structural damage to a few outbuildings and sheds, and one unlucky tree decided to take a nap right on top of a home, causing minor roof damage. The silver lining, of course, is that no injuries were reported, which is always a huge relief when these things happen.

It’s a stark reminder of the sheer force of that Sunday’s weather system, which hammered not just Alabama but also parts of Georgia and Florida. Alabama, however, truly bore the brunt of it. Among the other confirmed tornadoes that day were some much stronger ones, including a tragic EF-3 in Autauga County that claimed seven lives, an EF-2 in Hale County, and another EF-2 in Dallas County. Each one tells its own unique story of disruption and, ultimately, resilience.

So, while an EF-0 might seem minor in comparison to an EF-3, every confirmed tornado contributes to the full, comprehensive picture of just how severe that storm event truly was. It's a somber count, to be sure, but an incredibly important one for understanding the full impact on our communities and for future preparedness efforts.